Reprisal

Chapter 17 : The First Strike

Christopher and Isabel joined the guests again in three-quarters of an hour, redressed in their wedding outfits that stunned Isabel's friends. Isabel winked at them as she walked past them arm in arm with Christopher. If it had been her say, they would not have come out of the room the whole day but Christopher was keen to return to the party as their wedding ceremony wasn't over yet. And he, had a way to make her agree. She thought with burned cheeks.

The cake cutting took place followed by a long session of photography. First, of the newly weds separately and then with friends, family and Foxen's special guests. It was nearly four in the evening when the hectic day came to an end. The Wilders changed to comfy clothes and gathered in the parlour room at evening tea around five to relax.

“My legs feel numb.” - Aiden complained as he dragged another chair in front of him and placed his feet on it, stretching his legs out.

Foxen chuckled. “I bet you haven't walked so much in your whole life as you have in a single day.”

Christopher bit back a snort. Foxen was proud that Aiden had not only behaved throughout but also had look after the arrangements and guests in the wedding. Only Christopher knew why had Aiden taken up that pretence. It was an attempt to not upset Foxen so that those checks of handsome amount continue to be signed which Aiden invested on his ‘projects’.

“But it was fun!” - Foxen said, taking a sip of his black tea.

“It sure was!” - Isabel voiced her agreement, grinning from ear to ear. “Dad, I was finalizing about our vacation destination but can't choose between Turkey and Indonesia. Help me decide please.”

Christopher busied himself in his black coffee. Isabel had discussed the same with him a week prior, asking where did he want to go. Honestly, he didn't want to go anywhere as his presence in the company was crucial now. He didn't want to be away on some holiday and miss his chance. But he had told Isabel that wherever she'd like to go he was okay because he knew Foxen wouldn't allow them. He just knew that old fox that much by now.

“Vacation ? No no no no!” - Foxen shook his head with widened eyes, placing his cup on the saucer. “Christopher is assigned supervision of the project with the fertilizing agencies, Bella. This project is extremely important and I want everything perfect. You guys can't go anywhere as of now.”

Christopher smirked into his mug.

“Dad...” - Isabel groaned.

“Bellaaa...” - Foxen chided gently.

“Dad is right. The project needs to be finished perfectly. We can go after that.” - Christopher intervened, looking at Isabel.

She pouted. “Fineeee.” - she agreed begrudgingly.

“From project I remembered, there are some checks in pending, Dad. When you get free, sign them so the projects don't get delayed.” - Aiden said.

Christopher looked at Aiden. Foxen had signed checks for the ‘projects’ Aiden had been working over just a couple of weeks ago. He was sure Aiden had invested half of the amount in drug dealing and now, wanted more money to cover that half. A smirk appeared on his face. He had been looking for an opportunity but didn't know will get so soon.

“But Aiden, Dad signed some... twenty checks a couple of weeks ago...” - Christopher said, his eyebrows furrowed innocently.

Aiden glared at him. “Half of those were for your and Isabel's wedding.” - he replied with forced patience.

“And half for you.” - Christopher said calmly.

Foxen frowned. “The amount ended so soon, Aidy. Are the workers doing okay ?”